How to Enjoy a Healthier Pumpkin Spice Latte

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CLEVELAND - Fall is here, and it’s pumpkin spice latte season.

But one cup of the seasonal favorite can pack a lot of empty calories.

“A lot of times when we are drinking our calories, we really don't think about it. It also may not give you the same fullness you would get if you consumed the same amount of calories from a solid meal,” explained Beth Czerwony, RD, registered dietitian for Cleveland Clinic.

If you need your pumpkin spice latte fix, Czerwony said there are some simple swaps you can make when ordering to cut the calories.

For example, get skim or almond milk rather than whole milk and opt for less syrup or a sugar-free one.

You can also skip add-ons like whipped cream.

Czerwony said being mindful of portion size is important as well – ordering a smaller size can save you a lot of calories.

You can even try making the fall favorite at home.

“Anytime you can do a dupe at home, I always think that's a better option because you can control the portion size and the ingredients you're putting in,” Czerwony said. “Making it at home is going to overall be a better option than going to the coffee shop and ordering it that way.”

At the end of the day, Czerwony stressed moderation is key when it comes to enjoying pumpkin spice lattes.

She added that real pumpkin is a great food to incorporate into your diet because it’s full of vitamins and antioxidants.